Fears for collapse of tagging scheme
9 May 05
Bail pilot scheme struggling for lack of resources, say lawyers and police
The Executive's pilot scheme for electronic tagging of suspects accused of serious crime could collapse due to weaknesses in the scheme and lack of resources, according to police and solicitors.
Police are reported to have expressed concerns that the system, designed to permit those accused of crimes such as murder and rape to be released on bail rather than held on remand, is insecure because there is a four hour gap between the court ordering the accused to be tagged and the tag being fitted, which takes place at the offender's home.
Social workers in Glasgow are also said to be refusing to co-operate because they feel unqualified to assess the suspects.
Christine Murray, President of the Glasgow Bar Association, said the Executive was trying to bring in new ideas without thinking through the practicalities and funding. A police spokesman claimed there was a real danger of "meltdown" in the system.
However an Executive spokesman said that for many offenders tagging was effective.